Applelooza! Saturday, at U-District Farmers Market

Yesterday, Mac brought in a Jonagold from our backyard. This fall’s expected bumper crop was anything but — despite the protective nylon “footies” I painstakingly wrapped around the small fruit on our dwarf trees this summer. But the remaining apples are crisp, sweet and perfect for eating out-of-hand, and I’m proud to be able to say we grew them ourselves.

Our homegrown mini-orchard aside, we’re no pros. Which is one of the many reasons why I love Applelooza: the apple-lover’s bonanza held this year on Saturday, October 30, at the University District Farmers Market. Here’s a “crop” I picked (up) at the U-District market two years ago, and later made into a rustic pie.

Among the special events this year is a free pie-making demo (from noon to 1 p.m.) by Kate McDermott, whose award-winning Art of the Pie classes, and facility with flour, have helped build her reputation as a baker-extraordinaire.

I’m hoping to show up in time to watch Kate in action, chat with apple-growing professionals, drink free cider and get out the vote — during the tasting event (9:30 to 11 a.m.), when 40 heirloom and other apple varieties are ours for the sampling. See you there? If you’ve never been, whatcha waiting for? The market’s open year-round, rain or shine, Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of N.E. 50th and University Way.

You won’t find any “Red Delicious” here — though you will score tastes of Northern Spy, Prairie Spy and Newtown Pippins, among others.

About us

Bethany Jean Clement is The Seattle Times food writer. Her writing has also appeared in Best Food Writing, Food & Wine, Gourmet.com, Beard House, Town & Country, Edible Seattle, The Stranger and more. Follow her on Twitter: @BJeanClement.